Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

The Jerusalem Council: Grace vs. Law Acts 15:1-35 What is the Nature of the Gospel? Mixed heritage accepted in Acts 8 “Devout” Gentiles accepted in Acts 10 What about the non-proselyte Gentiles that believed in Acts 11, 13 & 14?

The Dissension Acts 15:1-5 Certain Jewish Christians were demanding that Gentile believers be circumcised in order to be saved – vs. 1 Barnabas & Paul opposed this teaching - 2 The church sends them to Jerusalem A good idea is good regardless of its source

The Dissension Acts 15:3-5 Barnabas & Paul tell about God’s work among the Gentiles as they travel When they arrive they meet with the church along with the apostles & elders Certain believing Pharisees oppose saying Gentiles needed to be circumcised and directed to follow the Law of Moses

The Debate – Peter’s Presentation Acts 15:6-11 This was a restricted session Debate – searching out a question Peter recounted God’s work when he preached the gospel to Cornelius

The Debate – Peter’s Presentation Acts 15:6-11 Peter Concluded: God did not make a distinction A burden they themselves could not bear should not be put on the Gentiles Salvation was through the grace of the Lord Jesus – for Jew & Gentile alike

Barnabas & Paul Report Acts 15:12 Barnabas & Paul recount the signs and wonders God did through them among the Gentiles The Judaizers did not have anything similar to back up their ministry

James’ Judgment Acts 15:13-21 He reminded them of what Simeon (Peter) had said earlier He used Amos 9:11,12 as an example of OT Prophecies that agree with Peter’s experience The Prophecies do not make additional demands on the Gentiles

James’ Judgment Acts 15:19-21 Gentiles should not be troubled Gentiles should be careful & abstain from: Things contaminated by idols – Exod. 20:3; 34:17; Deut 5:7 – Rom. 14; 1 Cor. 8 & 10 Fornication – Lev. 18; 1 Cor. 6 Things strangled / eating blood – Lev. 17

The Decision of the Council Acts 15:22-29 They adopted James’ advice from “brethren to brethren” - equality Written to those “disturbed” by the unauthorized men It was written in unanimity These are no commands, just responsibilities in keeping harmony,

Report to Antioch Acts 15:30-35 They rejoiced over its encouragement Their salvation was no longer questioned They would not have to keep Mosaic Law The restrictions requested were to encourage harmony

Conclusions Salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works – Good works are follow salvation - Eph. 2:8-10 We are to live in a way that shows our love for other believers and unbelievers

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ